Real Life Planning Podcast

In Episode 62 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, host Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, shares how to determine exactly how much you should be saving each month. Whether you're planning for a down payment, building your emergency fund, or aiming for financial freedom, this episode offers a practical, step-by-step approach to setting savings goals that align with your income and priorities.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 How to calculate your net monthly income and use it as a savings baseline [00:00:48]

💡 The 50/30/20 rule—and why it’s a helpful starting point for goal-based saving [00:03:29]

💡 Turning big goals into bite-sized monthly targets [00:06:10]

💡 How employer contributions reduce your personal savings burden [00:07:09]

💡 Why your savings rate should grow as your income does [00:09:52]

Takeaway Quotes:

“Savings is not just a habit—it’s a muscle. You don’t even think about it. It’s something you put in place and automate." – Vekevia Tillman-Jones

“Break big savings goals down into monthly targets. It helps make the goal feel real, actionable, and achievable.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

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• Real Life Planning on Bigger Pockets
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• Email: [email protected]  

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 61 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, talks with Kristen Ambrose, CPA, and founder of Ambrose Bookkeepers, about the often overlooked but vital role of bookkeeping in a real estate investing business. Kristen shares her journey from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship and how her passion for real estate inspired her to serve investors exclusively. They delve into practical bookkeeping strategies, common pitfalls, and how real estate investors can better understand their numbers to make smart decisions.Whether you're managing one rental or scaling a large portfolio, Kristen offers insights to help you approach your real estate financials with a business owner perspective.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 Why Kristen left corporate accounting to serve real estate investors [00:01:24]

💡 How house hacking helped launch Ambrose Bookkeepers [00:02:23]

💡 What a real estate bookkeeper actually does [00:04:12]

💡The #1 bookkeeping mistake real estate investors make [00:13:39]

💡 When to hire a professional bookkeeper—and how to find the right one [00:19:13]

Connect with Kristen Ambrose, CPA:

• Website: Ambrose Bookkeepers
• Kristen on BiggerPockets
• LinkedIn: Kristen Ambrose, CPA

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Email: [email protected]  

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 60 of the Real Life Planning Podcast,  host Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, helps aspiring real estate investors decide: Should I save or pay off debt first? If you're balancing credit cards, student loans, and the dream of buying your first rental property, this episode offers clear guidance on how to prioritize your finances while building toward your goals.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡When it makes sense to prioritize saving over debt repayment—and vice versa [00:01:13]

💡Why high-interest debt can derail your investment plans [00:02:14]

💡Smart strategies for building an emergency fund without falling behind on debt [00:04:27]

💡Hybrid approaches to balancing savings and debt payoff for long-term success [00:09:58]

💡How your financial decisions now affect your readiness to buy real estate [00:10:58]

 Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
• Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
• Email: [email protected]  

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 59 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, shares 10 essential questions every real estate investor should ask their financial advisor. Whether you’re a new investor or a seasoned pro, these questions will help you assess whether your advisor truly understands how real estate fits into your financial plan—and how they can support your investing goals.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡How to assess your advisor’s real estate knowledge and experience [00:01:14]

💡Why the right financial planning software matters for property owners [00:02:23]

💡What to ask when evaluating deals, financing, or tax strategies [00:04:41]

💡How your advisor can support risk management and team-building [00:05:29]

💡Red flags to look for when discussing 1031 exchanges or DSTs [00:09:36]

Takeaway Quotes:

" If you have a real estate business and you own real estate as part of your investment portfolio, you want a holistic view of your personal finances.” - Cynthia Meyer

" We’re all on this journey—everyone has some successes and has made some mistakes.” - Cynthia Meyer

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
• Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
• Email: [email protected]  

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 58 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, tackles one of the most important—but often overlooked—questions in personal finance: Where is my money really going? Drawing from her work with high-earning professionals and aspiring real estate investors, Vekevia breaks down how lifestyle inflation, subscriptions, and unclear cash flow can hold you back from reaching your goals. She shares practical strategies to help you gain clarity, build confidence, and take the next step toward buying your first rental property.

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡Why high income doesn’t guarantee financial peace [00:01:15]

💡Lifestyle creep and money “leaks” you may be overlooking [00:06:10]

💡How to create a plan that supports your real estate goals [00:11:13]

💡Saving, spending, and investing with intention [00:16:52]

💡The role of mindset in financial progress [00:17:59]

Takeaway Quotes:

"You're not behind. You might just need a system that works for you." – Vekevia Tillman-Jones

"If your income goes up and your lifestyle goes up with it, you're just running faster on the same treadmill." – Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
• Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
• Email: [email protected]  

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 57 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, and co-host Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, go deep into what happens when an investor sells a rental property that previously had a cost segregation study performed. They explain the tax concepts, how depreciation recapture works, and the questions every real estate investor should ask before considering a sale.

(Now, we know you know this, but reminding you that this video podcast is for educational purposes only. Please see your tax advisor for tax advice.)

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 What is a cost segregation study, and how does it work? [00:02:23]

💡 How depreciation impacts your taxes when selling a property [00:06:56]

💡 The difference between straight-line and accelerated depreciation [00:08:20]

💡 Why bonus depreciation could lead to higher tax rates when you sell [00:09:15]

💡 Strategic questions to ask your tax advisor before selling [00:13:04]

💡 How a 1031 exchange can help defer taxes [00:14:42]

Takeaway Quotes:

"If you've taken accelerated depreciation, you can be taxed at your highest income tax rate — not capped at 25%." — Cynthia Meyer

"There are so many moving parts when you sell a property after a cost segregation study — talk to your CPA!" — Vekevia Tillman-Jones

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Email: [email protected]  

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 56 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, sits down with Becky Noss, financial planner and founder of Healthy Wealth, to explore the unique tax advantages available to military homeowners. Becky breaks down how military families can use Section 121 of the tax code—the capital gains exclusion for the sale of a primary residence—even if they haven’t lived in the home for the typical two out of five years. Together, they demystify the nuances, share planning strategies, and uncover how military families can make the most of their housing transitions.

" The most important element I've learned is how different and how nuanced and how essential it is to have someone who's military knowledgeable planning for you if you are in the military. ” - Becky Noss

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 How military homeowners can pause the 5-year “look back” period [00:04:16]

💡 Why you can only suspend one home—and how to choose wisely [00:06:40]

💡 A real-world case study that saved a client over $30K [00:09:03]

💡 How military benefits continue even after leaving active duty [00:14:55]

💡 Powerful deployment-related tax strategies, including TSP and IRA rules [00:27:06]

Connect with Becky Noss:

•  Website: https://www.healthywealthfinancial.com
•  LinkedIn: Becky Noss
•  Facebook: Healthy Wealth Financial
•  Email: [email protected]

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Email: [email protected]  

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 55 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, provides a practical roadmap to help rental property investors prepare for the next economic downturn. While no one can predict exactly when a recession will hit, Cynthia shares how to proactively anticipate what you’ll do if a tenant pays late (or not at all), strengthen your financial foundation, and position yourself to take advantage of new opportunities. 

" Recessions don't happen overnight. They're a normal part of the business or market cycle. ” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 Why mindset is key for recession planning [00:02:01]

💡 How much cash should real estate investors set aside in reserves? [00:03:03]

💡 Tips for short-term rental owners during economic slowdowns [00:08:19]

💡 Why recessions can create new opportunities [00:09:40]

💡 Should you refinance if rates drop during a recession? [00:11:43]

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
• Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/reallifeplanning
• Email: [email protected]  

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 54 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®,MBA, walks rental real estate investors through the second part of our deep dive into IRS Schedule E—focusing on understanding expense categories and depreciation. Whether you’re preparing your real estate numbers to share with your tax preparer or want to understand how your rental properties are really performing, this episode will help you get organized and make smarter decisions.

“Tracking your expenses in the same categories as Schedule E throughout the year makes tax time easier and helps you see how your rentals are truly performing.” – Vekevia Tillman-Jones

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 Why is Schedule E essential for rental property owners? [00:00:20]

💡 What counts as personal use vs. fair rental days—and why does it matter? [00:05:55]

💡 Which expenses can you deduct—and how should you track them? [00:09:39]

💡 How does depreciation work for residential vs. short-term rental properties? [00:17:12]

💡 Who qualifies for loss deductions—and what happens if you don’t? [00:21:03]

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• X: https://x.com/cynthiameyer_ff​
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
• Email: [email protected]  

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.

In Episode 53 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Cynthia Meyer, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, takes a break from real estate investing topics to address a common concern - stock market volatility. Whether you’re saving for retirement, planning a major purchase, or simply want to make smarter investment decisions, this episode will help you navigate market uncertainty with a clear strategy.

"Volatility is normal in stock market investments.” - Cynthia Meyer

This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:

💡 How should you measure your investment returns to avoid unnecessary stress? [00:02:02]

💡 Why is now a good time to run a retirement projection? [00:04:28]

💡 How can you reassess your risk tolerance during market volatility? [00:06:34]

💡 When should you consider rebalancing your portfolio, and how does it help? [00:09:32]

💡 What role does diversification play in reducing investment risk? [00:16:04]

Resources:

Time to Rebalance Your 401k? Here are 4 Ways to Get Back on Track

Morningstar Investment Policy Statement Worksheet

Morningstar - How to Create an Investment Policy Statement

Connect with Real Life Planning:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifeplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/real-life-planning
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalpropertyclub/
• Email: [email protected]  

About the Real Life Planning Podcast

Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.

The ReaL Life Planning Podcast  is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.